The welcome center at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Marblehead Lighthouse overlooking Lake Erie in winter

A destination for culture buffs, thrill seekers, families and foodies

If the USA could have a “greatest hits” for a single state, it just might be Ohio. All your favorite things about the USA — bucolic scenery, hearty cuisine, professional sports, even rock ‘n roll — have a home here. For families, there are top-notch theme parks, aquariums and zoos. Outdoors enthusiasts can hike, bike, paddle and camp amid thick forests and sandstone cliffs, or on the shores of Lake Erie. Sports lovers have their choice of professional baseball, football, soccer, hockey and basketball. And when you’re hungry, Ohio delivers with cuisine ranging from regional comfort food to award-winning restaurants.

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Urban Centers with World-class Attractions

There are three large urban centers in Ohio, each with its own personality. In the state capital of Columbus, history and culture thrive at places such as the historic German Village, Short North Arts District, Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and Columbus Museum of Art.

A hub of professional sports teams overlooking Lake Erie, Cleveland is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; Playhouse Square (the largest performing arts center outside of New York); and impressive monuments including Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, James A. Garfield Monument and USS Cod Submarine Memorial.

Riverfront Cincinnati features a fun neighborhood scene, especially in historic Over-the-Rhine, a shopping, dining and entertainment district distinguished by its incredible architecture. Also, check out the Cincinnati Museum Center, a revered example of Art Deco architecture, and the Findlay Market, the oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio.

From Theme Park Rides to Nature Time Thrill

seekers will find endless loops, towering hills and high-speed tracks at Ohio’s two major amusement parks, Cedar Point and Kings Island. There are plenty of rides and attractions for families and little ones, too.

Prefer more low-speed adventures? Play on the beaches of Lake Erie, discover Lake Erie Islands by boat or escape to Ohio’s sprawling nature parks. Cuyahoga Valley National Park has more than 200 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, opportunities for canoeing and camping, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train ride. In southeastern Ohio, nature and time have carved the sandstone of the Hocking Hills region into stunning rock formations, waterfalls and valleys ideal for hiking, zip lining and paddling.

Diverse Culinary Landscape

With nearly 300 wineries, 300 craft breweries and dining options ranging from casual favorites to fancier fare, Ohio is a foodie’s delight. Sample regional specialties such as Cincinnati-style chili, served on hot dogs or atop a pile of spaghetti, or goetta, a breakfast sausage with flavors that attest to the region’s German heritage. Tempt your appetite along food trails dedicated to donuts, coffee, beer, cocktails, burgers and the state’s famous Buckeye candies – peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.

Foodies obsessed with notable chefs can sample a totally new style of barbecue inspired by Eastern European flavors at Mabel’s BBQ in Cleveland, owned by “Iron Chef” star Michael Symon, or go upscale at Trentina, an Italian restaurant by James Beard Award winner Johnathon Sawyer.

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Fun Fact

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Skyline Chili created Cincinnati-style chili; it’s served atop a pile of spaghetti with optional toppings of shredded cheese, onions and beans.

Both John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, were Ohio natives.

Must see places

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Whether you like your rock music classic, pop or heavy, Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is unbeatable in the depth and breadth of its musical celebration. Costumes, priceless artifacts, instruments, interactive displays and a huge hall of fame pay homage to the biggest names in music. It’s all housed within an iconic glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei with a massive red sign in front that reads “Long Live Rock”.

Cedar Point

The self-proclaimed Roller Coaster Capital of the World boasts 18 coasters ranging from mild to mind-blowing. Smaller children can hop on carnival-style kiddie rides and watch family-friendly stage performances. Thrill seekers will be blown away by high-speed rides such as the record-breaking Steel Vengeance, a steel-on-wood hybrid coaster with a 63-meter peak, 90-degree drop and 30 seconds of air time. There’s also a water park, petting zoo and beach area.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Located between Akron and Cleveland, the natural treasure that is Cuyahoga Valley National Park is nature’s respite from the outside world. Explore more than 200 kilometers of hiking trails, listen to the cascades of Brandywine Falls and Bridalveil Falls, go paddling on the Cuyahoga River or take in the scenery on horseback. Running through the middle of the park is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers a three-hour round trip tour.

Lake Erie Islands

There are dozens of small islands off the Ohio shore in Lake Erie. Put-in-Bay is a local favorite, home to the World’s Longest Bar at Beer Barrel Saloon (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). Kelleys Island has shopping, dining and its very own winery. For camping and fishing, head to Middle Bass Island. On the mainland shore, check out Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Boat service is available from many points along the shore.

Hocking Hills

The dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and caves of Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio make for stunning scenery and endless fun in the outdoors. Hike forested trails to cascading waterfalls, try a zip lining tour, go canoeing on the Hocking River, brave a rock-climbing or rappelling excursion and end the day in a cozy wooden cabin. Away from the city, you can view the starry night sky at the John Glenn Astronomy Park observatory.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

At the world’s largest military aviation museum, four massive hangars are filled with jaw-dropping specimens of aircraft from across the decades. This isn’t just for military and history buffs. Everyone will be amazed by early-era gliders, historic war planes, rockets, presidential planes and stealth fighters. It’s hard to believe that admission to this museum in Dayton is free.

Cincinnati Museum Center

A former train terminal, the circa-1933 Cincinnati Museum Center was given National Historic Landmark distinction for its astounding Art Deco architecture. Today, the facility is home to an OMNIMAX Theater, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives and several museums including a children’s museum. Plan to spend a day exploring the fun and educational cultural activities here.

Amish Country

Northeast Ohio is home to the largest Amish community in the USA, a heritage that dates to the start of the 19th century. While the generally Amish avoid the comforts and technology of modern society — opting for plain dress and horse-and-buggy transportation — they still welcome visitors to enjoy homemade cheeses and pastries, famously sturdy furniture and hand-crafted quilts.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Located in Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is for die-hard American football fans and the folks who love them. In addition to the hall of fame filled with life-like busts of the sport’s most-celebrated players, you’ll see authentic uniforms, footballs, photos and historic memorabilia.

Short North Arts District

Entertainment, dining, shopping and nightlife make the Short North Arts District one of the hottest spots in Columbus. Pop into funky boutiques, stroll the parks and green spaces, and stop for a quick bite to eat before happy hour – the district’s dozens of bars, breweries and restaurants offer tempting drink specials to usher in the nightlife.